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Record of Proceedings

Dormont Borough SuperCommittee and Public Hearing - August 12, 2026

Borough Council & Boards — Wednesday, August 12, 2026
BodyDormont, Pennsylvania
SessionBorough Council & Boards
DateWednesday, August 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:15

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:03

All right.

0:04

I'm going to call the public hearing to order.

0:08

Can we have a roll call, please?

Speaker 2

0:14

Here.

0:14

Councilman Regar.

0:15

Here.

0:16

Councilman Leedford.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Councilwoman Mazaka.

0:18

Here.

0:19

Councilwoman Ventreska.

0:20

Here.

0:20

Councilwoman Fabus.

0:23

Councilman Downs.

0:25

All but Councilwoman Fabus are present and accounted for.

0:29

Kip.

0:30

And Councilman Kip is missing.

0:32

Pardon me.

Speaker 1

0:33

All right.

0:33

Thank you.

0:34

So first we're going to have our solicitor, Daniel Conlin, give us a introduction.

0:41

So go right ahead.

Unassigned speaker

0:44

Thank

Speaker 3

0:44

you, Madam President.

0:46

Yeah, Daniel Conlin, I'm solicitor for the borough of Dormont.

0:50

The purpose of today's public hearing is to hear from representatives of next construction in connection to whether they are responsible bidders for the Potmery fuel retaining project.

1:07

Notice of today's public hearing was advertised in the post Gazette on August the 21st.

1:14

Just a little format here to set the table for the public hearing tonight.

1:20

First, we'll hear a presentation from our borough engineer gateway engineers.

1:27

I have a couple of questions for the engineer to be able to guide that discussion.

1:31

Next, we'll open up the floor to a next construction.

1:36

If there's one representative for next instruction that wants to speak, you can come up and then you can give your presentation then.

1:44

Council has the opportunity to ask questions, of course, from either the borough engineer, the contractor.

1:53

And after we close those two segments of the public hearing, we'll open up the floor to public comment if there are any.

2:19

Sure.

2:19

Yeah, we'll received

Speaker 4

2:22

just ever record reflect that Council Member Kip has joined.

Speaker 5

2:26

Oh yes.

2:27

Thank

Unassigned speaker

2:28

you.

Speaker 5

2:38

For a couple of different reasons, the the project was decided to be rebid.

2:44

So the project that we are really discussing here tonight is the rebid of the Potmurray Field retaining wall project.

2:51

And that work uh constitutes replacing an existing removing replacing an existing retaining wall that exists currently at the project site and constructing it with a new um engineered um uh reinforced um retaining wall, segmental retaining wall.

Speaker 3

3:10

I do have a question for you, Mr.

3:13

Um

Unassigned speaker

3:14

Mr.

Speaker 3

3:15

Neal.

3:16

Um was next construction provided a copy of the bid form and proposal for the project.

Speaker 5

3:23

Um I believe that information was the project was advertised on July 10th and July 17th, and that information was uh available online to download.

3:35

Yeah.

3:35

Okay.

Speaker 3

3:36

And that bid form describes a retainable installation, including geo grid.

3:41

Is that correct?

3:42

Yeah, that's correct.

3:43

Um I can go through

Speaker 5

3:45

explain what that is and what um the the geo grid aspect of this retaining wall is essentially this is this is not a retaining wall that only exists as the block that you see um at the face of the wall.

3:58

This is this is an engineered structure that incorporates um excavating uh about seven feet back into the hillside, the hillside that we are excavating into is is currently sloped.

4:09

Um I believe it greater than a two to one right now, and that it's proposed to be regraded at a two to one following the construction of the retaining wall.

4:16

Um the construction of the retaining wall essentially consists of excavating that out, preparing the preparing the subgrade, placing stone, placing block, and actually bringing that whole structure up with with engineered fill and placing what's referred to as geo grid material and all of these items function together as the actual structure of the wall itself.

4:37

So it is more than just essentially stacking blocks to create a uh retaining wall.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Technology and Innovation████████████████████20%
Procedural████████████████16%
Public Works█████████9%
Public Safety████████8%
Revenue Management███████7%
Public Engagement████4%
Arts And Culture███3%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Dormont Borough SuperCommittee Meeting and Public Hearing

This meeting on August 12, 2026, began with a public hearing regarding the bid for the Potmurry Field retaining wall project and then moved into the regular SuperCommittee meeting. The hearing explored whether the apparent low bidder, Next Construction, is a responsible bidder. The SuperCommittee session covered numerous administrative and policy items, including a fee schedule review, a presentation from ParkMobile, and discussions on artificial intelligence use and event management.

Public Hearing: Potmurry Field Retaining Wall Bid

  • Purpose: To hear from the borough engineer (Gateway Engineers) and Next Construction regarding the rebid of the retaining wall at Potmurry Field. The lowest apparent bidder was Next Construction.
  • Engineer's Testimony: Borough Engineer Jared Neal stated that Next Construction did not meet the bid document requirement to provide three examples of similar retaining wall projects within five years. The projects listed did not demonstrate relevant retaining wall experience; one reference (Mount Lebanon) confirmed Next Construction had not built a retaining wall for them. The engineer concluded the bid was “non-responsive,” and Next Construction was informed via certified letter on August 13th (though the hearing date is August 12, 2026).
  • Next Construction's Response: The company representative (owner) argued that he has 33 years of experience in construction and has built retaining walls, including a large wall for the City of Pittsburgh in 2001 (900-foot long, 10–20 foot height) and a tieback retaining wall for Mount Lebanon Library. He emphasized the current wall is only 4.5 feet high and simple to build. He noted that he missed an email requesting additional information and that the job is bonded, providing an assurance of completion.
  • Public Comment: One resident spoke in support of Next Construction, citing a block wall they built for his property and stating the job is straightforward.
  • Council Explanation: Solicitor Daniel Conlin explained that no decision would be made that evening; council will deliberate and issue a written decision, which is appealable. The issue is expected to appear on the next voting meeting agenda.

Business District Relations and Development Committee

  • Dormont Street and Music Festival Event Management: Councilwoman Downs presented a proposal from Turnstile Results (Kristen Turner) for event management services for the upcoming street and music festival. The cost is $5,250, and the services are intended to relieve borough staff burdens. Council expressed support and plans to approve it at the next voting meeting. There is budget available through salary savings.
  • Community Event Promotion: A local business (Chick’n & Flightless Ducks) is celebrating a one-year anniversary on Labor Day and partnering with other businesses for a district-wide activation. Council acknowledged the event.

Planning, Sustainability, and Inclusion Committee

  • Porchmont Proclamation: A proclamation in support of the Porchmont program was presented. Council supported it with a minor language adjustment (changing “evening of” to “day of”). It will be formally approved at the next meeting.

Public Safety, Building & Code Enforcement Committee

  • Contribution to Dormont Volunteer Firemen’s Association: A request for the annual $25,000 contribution was submitted. Council discussed that this is standard and budgeted, and will be voted on at the next meeting. Fire Chief provided context on how funds are used.
  • Letter of Appreciation for Captain Kevin Bratkowski: Council recognized a resident’s letter commending Captain Bratkowski for his proactive, personal approach to code enforcement. The appreciation was noted.
  • Sale of Old Patrol Rifles: The Police Department requested permission to sell two surplus patrol rifles under the borough’s surplus policy. Council agreed to proceed.
  • Motion to Advertise Adoption of 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): Council agreed to advertise the adoption, moving from the 2018 to the 2024 version. Chief noted no controversial changes in this update; staff will provide a summary of changes.
  • Motion to Advertise Adoption of 2018 International Fire Code (IFC): Similarly, council agreed to advertise adoption of the 2018 IFC, which has been applied informally but needs formal codification.
  • Councilperson Ledford Request for Public Good Funds: A request for $2,000 from the Public Good Fund for Keystone Oaks School District’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at Dormont Elementary. Council asked that the language be clarified to specify it is for Dormont Elementary and for purchasing shirts for students. Will be voted on at next meeting.

Fee Schedule Presentation

  • Opal (summer fellow) presented a comprehensive review of the borough’s fee schedule compared to similar municipalities. Key findings and recommendations:
    • Certified Mail Fee: Borough charges $0.50, but actual cost is ~$9.00; this fee is rarely enforced. Consider eliminating or updating.
    • Special Permit Fees for Theatrical Amusements/Dancing: $375 for theaters and public dancing, $75 for dancing schools. Others do not charge these; may discourage businesses. Could be outdated and worth reviewing.
    • Chicken and Flightless Ducks Fee: $215 initial + $50 inspection + $75 annual review. This is $85 higher than next highest comparator. Possibly no longer required under new zoning.
    • Garbage Collection Fees: Dormont is one of the few boroughs billing homeowners individually via Waste Management; most include it in property taxes. A potential $1.1 million difference in revenue approach.
    • Business District Parking Permits: No ordinance found; recommend codifying.
    • Gambling Devices Fees: Low fee; pending PA Supreme Court decision may preempt municipal regulation.
    • Tennis Court Rental: $10/day – minimal, but no formal agreement with Keystone Oaks marching band. Consider an MOU.
    • Sewer Tap-In Fees: Very low (under $50) versus up to $2,000 elsewhere. Could increase revenue, especially for upcoming transit-oriented development.
    • Working Without a Permit Penalty: Currently $150 fee on schedule, but ordinance calls for $300–$1,000 fine. Recommend aligning.
    • Hillsdale Park/Sports Field Rentals: Not codified; recommend formalizing.
  • Council thanked Opal and agreed to incorporate these items into the 2026 fee resolution process.

ParkMobile Presentation

  • Max Hogue, Regional Sales Manager for ParkMobile, presented the app-based parking payment system. ParkMobile recently acquired Flowbird (the borough’s current kiosk hardware vendor) and offers seamless integration.
  • Features: App, pay-by-web, pay-by-text, QR codes, enforcement tool, and back office (ParkMobile 360). No upfront cost; revenue model: 45¢ transaction fee (paid by user) + 3% + 20¢ processing fee (paid by borough unless passed to user). Borough can set parking rates.
  • Discussion: Council asked about validation options for businesses (possible), use of coins (existing Flowbird kiosks accept coins), and free parking promotions (can be set in back office). Council also noted the existing Meter Feeder app recently increased its user fee from 75¢ to 85¢ without council input, raising concerns. No decision was made; the Business District Relations chair requested more information on validations. Evaluation will continue.

Artificial Intelligence Use Policy Discussion

  • Councilperson Kipp presented a draft AI use policy for the borough. Key principles: human oversight, disclosure when AI is used, no AI to replace jobs, and no AI to create art (to protect local artists). Council discussed concerns about defining “art” and the need for clear documentation and feedback mechanisms. Examples of use: research, communications, chatbots. Council provided input on language (e.g., replace “citizens” with “residents”, include specific feedback loop examples). The policy will be refined over the next month and brought back for formal consideration.

Voting Meeting Agenda Items

  • Council discussed adding two items to the upcoming voting meeting (September 2, 2026?):
    1. Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer: A request to transfer a liquor license into Dormont. A public hearing must be advertised. Council agreed to add the advertisement motion but postponed setting a fee for the transfer until the comprehensive fee review.
    2. Greenlight Go Project Bid: Award for the Liberty and Dormont Avenue signal replacement ($282,999, with $60,900 local match). This is a reallocation of previously awarded grant funds. Council agreed to add it to the agenda.
  • Other items: Keystone Oaks sheltering agreement (postponed for more review), Leathers playground (held pending public bidding exemption research), Week Without Driving support (September 29–October 5) – council expressed support, will be added as an informational item.

Executive Session

  • Council adjourned to executive session for personnel matters and quasi-judicial deliberation on the Potmurry retaining wall bid.

Key Outcomes

  • No decision on the Potmurry retaining wall bid; deliberation will continue with a written decision to follow.
  • Event management services contract (Turnstile Results) to be voted on at the next meeting.
  • Porchmont proclamation approved in principle, to be adopted at next meeting.
  • $25,000 fire department contribution, letter of appreciation, rifle sale, and code adoptions (IPMC & IFC) all placed on the next voting agenda.
  • Keystone Oaks PBIS funding request ($2,000) to be revised and voted on next meeting.
  • Fee schedule recommendations will be incorporated into the 2026 fee resolution.
  • ParkMobile evaluation to continue with additional information on business validations.
  • AI use policy to be revised and brought back for adoption.
  • Liquor license transfer public hearing to be advertised; Greenlight Go project award added to next agenda.
  • Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time.

Meeting Transcript

All right. I'm going to call the public hearing to order. Can we have a roll call, please? Here. Councilman Regar. Here. Councilman Leedford. Here. Councilwoman Mazaka. Here. Councilwoman Ventreska. Here. Councilwoman Fabus. Councilman Downs. All but Councilwoman Fabus are present and accounted for. Kip. And Councilman Kip is missing. Pardon me. All right. Thank you. So first we're going to have our solicitor, Daniel Conlin, give us a introduction. So go right ahead. Thank you, Madam President. Yeah, Daniel Conlin, I'm solicitor for the borough of Dormont. The purpose of today's public hearing is to hear from representatives of next construction in connection to whether they are responsible bidders for the Potmery fuel retaining project. Notice of today's public hearing was advertised in the post Gazette on August the 21st. Just a little format here to set the table for the public hearing tonight. First, we'll hear a presentation from our borough engineer gateway engineers. I have a couple of questions for the engineer to be able to guide that discussion. Next, we'll open up the floor to a next construction. If there's one representative for next instruction that wants to speak, you can come up and then you can give your presentation then. Council has the opportunity to ask questions, of course, from either the borough engineer, the contractor. And after we close those two segments of the public hearing, we'll open up the floor to public comment if there are any. Sure. Yeah, we'll received just ever record reflect that Council Member Kip has joined. Oh yes. Thank you. For a couple of different reasons, the the project was decided to be rebid. So the project that we are really discussing here tonight is the rebid of the Potmurray Field retaining wall project. And that work uh constitutes replacing an existing removing replacing an existing retaining wall that exists currently at the project site and constructing it with a new um engineered um uh reinforced um retaining wall, segmental retaining wall. I do have a question for you, Mr. Um Mr. Neal. Um was next construction provided a copy of the bid form and proposal for the project. Um I believe that information was the project was advertised on July 10th and July 17th, and that information was uh available online to download. Yeah.

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